The interstage buffer storage capacity of non-powered assembly lines A simple mathematical approach

Abstract

This paper considers the properties of the interstage buffer storage capacity as a ‘ decoupling agent ’ in multi-station non-powered assembly lines, where the economics of production are achieved by balancing delay costs against stock-carrying costs and storage space costs. A simplified mathematical model for exponential service time distribution based on the ‘ cyclic queue ’ concept has been developed, taking into account the three cost parameters, to optimize the buffer storage capacity. A numerical example and sensitivity analysis of the model are presented.